Overview & Reviews

In business for more than 100 years, Audi is an automaker that builds luxury cars and SUVs. The company was started in Germany and has remained Deutschland-based to this day.

"Audi Automobile Works" entered the German car-manufacturing business in 1910 and remained independent until the Great Depression. Because Audi's founder, August Horch, had left a 10-year-old company bearing his own name, he chose a Latin form of his name -- Audi -- for his new company. Audi joined with three other auto manufacturers in 1932 to form Auto Union. Audi, the only surviving nameplate from that union, was purchased by Volkswagen in 1964.

During the 1970s, Audi started to get noticed in the U.S. with its 100LS luxury sedan and compact and sprightly Fox coupe and sedan. By the late '70s the brand had replaced the dated 100LS with its new 5000 luxury sedan.

Every manufacturer has its defining moments. For Audi, one such moment came in March 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show. The automaker unveiled the Audi Quattro, an all-wheel-drive sport coupe that was met with a wildly enthusiastic response on the show floor. The Quattro's all-wheel-drive system went on to help Audi win accolades in motorsports and it was eventually integrated into the entire model range.

That year also saw the Fox replaced by the 4000. Four years later, the range-topping 5000 was redesigned. Audi's sales shot up nearly 50 percent, thanks chiefly to that newly aerodynamic yet handsome flagship that featured what would become an Audi hallmark -- an elegantly stylish, high-quality cabin.

Sadly, Audi's fortunes turned for the worse when the carmaker's 5000 model was accused of unintended acceleration in a 60 Minutes television episode. A subsequent government investigation found Audi innocent of the charge, but the resulting drop in sales nearly put Audi out of business in the U.S.

The late '80s saw Audi redesign the 4000, renaming it the 80 and 90 (with the 90 having more equipment) and also rename the 5000, dubbing it the 100 or 200. The 200 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder with all-wheel drive as opposed to a non-turbo five and front-wheel drive, as on the 100. A Coupe also debuted, as did a new flagship, a V8-powered 200 sedan simply called the "V8".

The following decade saw the A4 and Cabriolet models, as well as the renaming of the 100 to A6. The stunning A8 was introduced as Audi's new flagship, boasting all-aluminum construction and a beefy V8. High-performance versions of the various models bowed, dubbed S4, S6 and S8.

The start of the new millennium brought the TT, Audi's low-slung sport coupe (and later roadster). It also introduced RS versions of the A4 and A6, providing even more performance than "S" variants. In addition to "S" and "RS" versions of the TT, Audi's more recent releases include the A3 hatchback, Q5 crossover SUV, slick A5 coupe, exotic R8 sports car and A7 luxury hatchback sedan.

Today, Audi continues its success in the prestige car marketplace by offering a wide range of vehicles that impressively combine luxury and sport.

User Reviews:

• 

  Keeps breaking every two months - 2001 Audi A4
  By Frank - July 14 - 2:44 pm

  This is my first car. When I bought it I was amazed with this it, very fast, fun to drive and very reliable. I bought it with 45k miles on it. Everything was great until the computer started giving me those annoying messages "SERVICE REQUIRED". Well, I decided to take the car to the dealership every time I got it and so far, I have paid in service and repairs around $2500 in two years! The lower lights have burned three times now, the left suspension arm broke, the battery died, the flow meter died, the sparks needed to be changed, the center console leds are broken, the horn broke and now, I have a water leak in the passenger footwell (this is caused by an aircon broken tube).

• 

  2003 Audi A4 convertible - 2003 Audi A4
  By Steve53 - July 13 - 6:43 pm

  I just purchased a 2003 A4 convertible a few weeks ago. So far I really enjoy driving the car, especially with the top down. It has a little turbo lag but once you get going, its very smooth. Overall, I really like this car and would recommend it if you want a fun convertible with a back seat. The back seat is small, however, and can only fit two young children I would say.

• 

  Excellent for some people - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Joshm18 - July 13 - 11:04 am

  Ive been driving mine for about 6 months now and I do love it. Its a lot like driving a loaded A6 (my Q7 is a 4.2 premium). It handles well, accelerates well and is extremely comfortable to drive. The tech bells and whistles offer everything you could need and want. My only complaint with the car is the off-road abilities. Thule doesnt make racks for it and for anyone who is an outdoor enthusiant looking for a more rugged vehicle worthy of hauling bikes, kayaks, etc, you may find yourself a little disappointed. However, some research early on may prove that this is the perfect all around vehicle for you. My wife has a Lexus and ive gone through Land Rovers, BMW X5, Tahoe, etc.

• 

  Great Car! - 2007 Audi A4
  By Devin Phatak - July 13 - 1:13 am

  Ive owned three VWs before this and so far Im in love with the A4. I miss the power off the line from the VR6 engine in the VWs I drove, but this is my first turbo and part of it is a personal adjustment. Would I purchase one again, if I had the choice? Yes. I love the way it handles, the ergonomics and interior design are excellent, and the build quality is top notch. I only wish that I had an S4 or an RS4. It leaves me with something to wish for, but thats not a bad thing.

• 

  Wow - 2007 Audi A3
  By mattyd - July 12 - 5:45 pm

  I wanted a 4-door hatchback for flexibility but didnt want to compromise on performance or drive a huge wagon around. There are a lot of sedans in this price range, but the hatch and folding seats give much more utility. I settled firmly on the 2.0T after reviews and test drives, even though it lacked AWD. I drove the 3.2 solely to prevent buyers remorse and curiosity afterwards, and that was the one I had to get. Outside the trip I took to break it in, Ive put more than 2K miles on it in 3 months and that is with restraint (daily commute is <10 miles RT). It is much more fun to drive than my last car (01 Grand Prix GTP) and sometimes I drive past home and just keep going.

• 

  Love my A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By dld3923 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Chrysler Sebring Convertible (that I loved) and Ive never looked back. I get lots of comments on the A4s elegant looks, esp. the way it looks with the top down since it hides away in the trunk. The care is a little slow off the line, but once up to speed, I have no complaints. (I have the 1.8 turbo) I also love the service at the Audi dealership.

• 

  n/a - 2004 Audi A4
  By Requiem - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been more then satisfied with this car. It has had no problems and is alot of fun to drive.

• 

  Audi 100cs Avant - 1994 Audi 100
  By jpcanuck - July 9 - 7:57 pm

  Of the 9 European cars I’ve owned, the ’94 Audi 100cs Avant wagon is by far my favourite. I paid $7,500CAD in September 2003 with 198,000 km (118K miles), from my local independent Audi/VW garage. Since then, I’ve clocked 80,000 km of relatively trouble free miles with the exception of front end suspension work, thermostat replacement and brake work ($1900CAD), all common repairs for any high mileage used car. As typical of late Audis, the body and paint are solid showing only superficial rust - not bad for a car that’s seen 14 years of winter road salt. As for performance, it’s no rocket off the mark, yet at highway speeds of 160 km, it’s like driving on glass - yeah its all about the Quattro!

• 

  Dont do it - 1998 Audi A4
  By pbfoot - July 8 - 9:09 pm

  I bought my baby (silver A4 quattro) 4 years ago with 70k mi on her. Put 40k on her in those 4 years and have one thing to say: she was the best car in the world, but she was extremely unreliable and expensive to maintain. Tie rods, control arms, electrical modules, wheel bearings, engine seals, ABS module, air bag sensor. You name it, it broke, all of them broke, and she was in the shop for weeks at a time. It cost a fortune to get her out of the shop every time. I babied this car and got nothing in return. Sure, she handled on rails and had a great performance V6, but there is no way Id ever consider giving Audi another shot. Too expensive and unreliable.

• 

  Never Follow - 2004 Audi S4
  By greekaudifanatic - July 7 - 11:12 pm

  Im 22 and have now owned 3 audis. Loved my 2000 A6 2.7T for 3 years then looked to get a new Audi. Was first looking for a 2006 A8L which is such a great luxury sedan. I test drove a Dolpin Grey S4 as well on the lot and ever since never wanted to stop driving it. Cant say enough about the whole package, engine is awesome and fit and finish as well.